The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.

This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/

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Shadow of the Sword

SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.

On 6 June 2007, Sergeant Wyckoff distinguished himself as a Rifle Team Leader in combat operations during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. While engaged in close combat against determined enemy forces, Sergeant Wyckoff left his covered position without hesitation, to force the other members of his team to take cover. Sergeant Wyckoff revealed his position and fatally engaged two insurgents to save the lives of his platoon.

Sergeant Wyckoff's bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division and the United States Army.

BAGHDAD — The operation now under way to clear enemies from Iraq’s Diyala province is Iraqi-conceived, Iraqi-planned and Iraqi-led, a senior coalition officer said July 30.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Perkins, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman, along with Iraqi Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari, spoke with reporters at a Baghdad news conference.

Perkins said Coalition forces will provide capabilities such as air support, helicopter support, some logistical support and engineer support for the operation in Diyala.

“[These are] those things that complete the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces and enable them to accomplish their mission,” Perkins said.

Askari said the Iraqi Army and Police are attacking terrorists, outlaws and Iranian-backed “special groups” to deny them safe haven in the province, which runs from the outskirts of Baghdad to the Iranian border. “The operation has no timetable,” he said through a translator.

The operation, which began July 29, has deployed Iraqi Soldiers and Police to the province’s cities and villages. The Iraqi Security Forces already have captured 50 wanted terrorists and criminals, Askari said, noting that the operation has begun “lifting the ‘fear barrier’ between the Iraqi Security Forces and the people.”

Another objective of the operation is to starve the terrorist and criminal groups and separate them from the population. Iraqi officials also want to build security so that displaced people – refugees from the fighting – want to relocate back to the province. Finally, the operation is designed to make it safe enough for the Iraqi government to begin investment in the province to spur reconstruction and agriculture, the Iraqi general said.

Perkins said the partnership between Iraqi and Coalition Soldiers continues to grow stronger and continues to contribute to the decline in violence throughout Iraq. Still, he gave most of the credit for the turnaround in the country to the Iraqi people.

“The Iraqi people came together in their neighborhoods and took a stand against terrorists, criminals and special groups,” he said. “The Iraqi people rejected those bent on creating anarchy and division amongst them, and they became a key factor in the decrease in violence among them in the past year.”

Feature Stories

CAMP STRIKER — U.S. Soldiers are preparing to hand over their area of operations in Southern Baghdad and believe the conditions are set for making a successful change.

“Our plan is to conduct a transfer of authority of Southern Baghdad, not with another Coalition forces element, but with the 17th Iraqi Army Division,” said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

The Constitution of Iraq offered a welcome change for Iraqi citizens long oppressed during the tyrannical reign of Saddam Hussein. Instead of a dictatorship, the people would now have a “democratic, federal, representative republic” and a “multiethnic, multi-religious and multi-sect country.”

Behind these bright lights are a group of Marines, part of a route clearance team with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 1, who are tasked with locating ordnance on and near roads traveled by Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces.

Please note that although they are no longer accepting applications for this year’s Bootcamp, they are for the year 2009. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. –Ms. Marti

Press Release

7/17/2008

The Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University will hold the second annual Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) beginning on July 26. Fifteen veterans representing 10 states and all four branches of the U.S. military and ranging in age from 24 to 60 will participate in cutting-edge training in entrepreneurship and small business management in order to start or grow their own businesses. The veterans, who have all served post-9/11 in Afghanistan or Iraq, will learn a range of business skills, including accounting, human resources, supply chain, operations, strategy, and more from world-class faculty, entrepreneurs, disability experts and business professionals. The program is entirely free, including travel and accommodations.

The EBV was created by the Whitman School in 2007 and in 2008 was expanded into a nationwide partnership with UCLA Anderson School of Management, Mays Business School at Texas A&M University and Florida State University’s College of Business. From 20 participants in 2007, the program has now impacted the lives of more than 60 U.S. soldiers wounded as a result of their service to the United States.

“The year 2008 marks seven years since our troops first entered into conflict in Afghanistan and five years since the conflict began in Iraq,” says Melvin T. Stith, dean of the Whitman School of Management and a former Vietnam War-era Army captain. “American men and women are returning home from military service, many disabled, only to find fewer and fewer opportunities in the workplace. The EBV is a step towards providing them with the skills and knowledge to create their own opportunities. The Whitman School is proud to lead the consortium of outstanding business schools in this endeavor.”

The EBV program is offered in three phases. Phase I is a self-study session in which the veterans complete courses through online discussions moderated by university faculty. Phase II requires that participants travel to their participating EBV university, where they will become immersed in a nine-day residency program. Some of the country’s most prominent entrepreneurship academics, business leaders, and experts in disability issues come together to offer these veterans an unparalleled experience designed to start them on the path to small business ownership. Phase III involves 12 months of ongoing support and mentorship provided to the veterans from the faculty experts at the EBV universities. Throughout the EBV experience, students engage in experimental workshops to write business plans, raise capital, attract customers, and develop a marketing strategy that is most effective for their business model.

“Last year, with the pilot program here at Whitman, we served 20 wounded veterans,” says Mike Haynie, assistant professor of entrepreneurship, creator and director of the EBV, and a former U.S. Air Force major. “This year, with the expansion to three other business schools, many more veterans will be equipped to enter the marketplace and create and build their dreams. Giving opportunities like this to a group so deserving is consistent with the social mission of America’s colleges and universities.”

Applications for the EBV are accepted on a rolling admissions basis, which means application for the program is always open. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application is encouraged. To create disability-related curriculum and assist participants in understanding and leveraging programs at the intersection of disability and entrepreneurship, the EBV is offered in collaboration with SU’s Burton Blatt Institute, which seeks to advances the civic, economic, and social participation of persons with disabilities.

For more information or to set up interviews, contact Amy Mehringer, Whitman communications manager, at (315) 443-3834 or aemehrin@syr.edu. To apply to the EBV, visit www.whitman.syr.edu/ebv or contact the Whitman School of Management at (315) 443-8736 or EBVinfo@syr.edu.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

CAMP VICTORY — This past June, Iraqi Army Soldiers in Taji recovered two broken down humvees on their own and restored them without any help from Coalition maintenance.

“Probably the most exciting thing for me is I compare (today) to our partnership with the IA in 2006, and it’s night and day,” said Capt. Steve Chadwick, and Iraqi Security Forces coordinator with Multi-National Division – Center, who was stationed in Tal Afar and Ramadi at that time.

Just two years ago, Coalition mechanics took care of the bulk of repairing vehicles and replacing parts. Not anymore, said Chadwick.

Maintenance is not the only area where ISF are more proficient. There are now more Regional and Divisional Training Centers in Iraq than ever before, with classes taught by either Iraqi noncommissioned officers or civilian instructors expert in a specific field.

“The future is the IA taking up training all on its own. It’s already begun,” said Capt Kyle Kirby, an ISF coordinator with the 10th Mtn. Div.

Before, many of these courses were supervised or even taught by Coalition instructors. Iraqi forces units also relied more heavily on training with Military Transition Teams

The Coalition’s partnership with ISF has shifted from a leading role to a strategic one. The Coalition now serves as an “enabler” to help ISF complete missions. This means providing support using advanced technologies Iraqi forces have not yet established.

“We make sure the Iraqis get the necessary training and advice, so that they may operate their own military properly,” said Capt. Thomas Obrien, an aide de camp for the Iraqi Assistance Group, which works in partnership with ISF.

One of the major goals in improving Iraq’s forces is by increasing the number of NCOs and officers who can lead and mentor fellow troops.

Two elements are working to achieve this goal: recruiting centers and military academies.

Currently, there are 13 recruiting stations across Iraq taking applications from local citizens; former IA members wanting to return to service; and Sons of Iraq.Mobile recruiting drives engage the population in areas without local centers. Three more centers are planned for future efforts.

There are now 15 Iraqi Police academies in Iraq that can accommodate and train a sum of 20,000 recruits. Among the 15, two academies train National Police and three train border enforcement agents. Another 24 military academies train a variety of ISF, including a naval center, five officer schools and other Army training centers and branch schools.

By the end of 2008, eight training cycles, which began in Dec. 2007, will be complete in an effort to stand up 13 IA Divisions. Each training cycle produces 14,000 new troops, which will account for 112,000 new ISF members by January 2009. Of those, 4,000 will be new officers.

The number of schools and recruits continues to rise, and the quality and variety of their training programs is also improving. Regional centers, such as the ones in Taji and An Numaniyah, teach proficiency in logistics, advanced medical courses, maintenance, armor, welding, and engineering.

The training and proficiency of the ISF continue to secure the Iraqi people. Their successes make way for major improvements in the economy, infrastructure and future of Iraq.

“It’s a good sign to see them taking control of their own country,” said Capt. Dave Hansen, of Plano, Texas, officer-in-charge of the Fusion cell for 10th Mtn. Div.

Behind these bright lights are a group of Marines, part of a route clearance team with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 1, who are tasked with locating ordnance on and near roads traveled by Iraqi citizens and Coalition forces.

Once a thriving cardiac hospital, the Ibn al Bitar Hospital was severely damaged during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The hospital, located in an urbanized area of Baghdad west of the Tigris River, was destroyed by looters who stole all of the equipment and burned the building to the ground. Only the concrete foundation and the ground floor remained.

During the battle for Baghdad, Sergeant Montoya's sniper team arrived within Company F's position as they came under heavy small arms fire from a determined enemy force. He immediately encouraged Marines to deploy and return fire. Noticing a disabled civilian vehicle on the road in the line of fire and with complete disregard for his own life, he rushed forward amidst a hail of gunfire and dragged a wounded Iraqi civilian to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine struggling to get off the same fire swept street, he risked his life to lead the Marine to safety.

Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine lying in the street. Ignoring the hailstorm of bullets, Sergeant Montoya rushed into the street for a third time to carry the injured Marine to safety. Sergeant Montoya returned a fourth time to evacuate an unconscious Marine. Returning to the front again, he dashed into the contested street and assisted a Marine to safety who had been dazed by an explosion. Sergeant Montoya ensured medical attention was administered and verified that evacuations were ongoing.

By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Sergeant Montoya reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

If you are active duty or active reservists with any branch of the military and traveling thru Syracuse airport, stop in and check out the new Gregory J. Harris Military Courtesy Room.

This room is being set up by Loren Davies, a Marine veteran and the commander of the Chittenango detachment of the Marine Corps League, Leroy Bowen, Army veteran, Gene Leimer, a former city policeman and retired Navy submariner. It is named to honor a Marine listed as missing in action in Vietnam.

Davies, a former employee of Hancock and Bowen, currently employed were dismayed and upset to see these men and women sleeping on benches with their backpack for a pillow as they waiting hours upon hours many a time, for a bus up to Ft. Drum or for their next flight out of Hancock International Airport. Because it is a smaller airport, there are no flights between midnight and 5:30am and the vendors and restaurants all shut down by 9pm. This left the soldiers with nowhere to go, and nothing to eat if they came in late.

They found a room, a lost baggage claim office, and received approval from the Anthony Mancuso and Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll. The Syracuse City Council approved of renting the room to Davies and his group for $1 a year. Prior to this, it was quite common for airport employees and the airport policemen to make a coffee and donut run for these guys. That will no longer be necessary after July 29th.

Now members of our military will have a spot to call their own, where they can lounge, sleep, and just be among themselves if they choose while they wait. The lounge will open on July 29th.

They would like to add a computer to the lounge, as the airport has WiFi already in place. I am sure they would love to see donations pouring into to keep this room up and fully stocked with goodies. In addition to the snacks and drinks, they are looking at adding toothbrushes, razors and toothpaste so the soldiers can clean up a bit after a night spent in the airport or after a long flight in.

If you wish to donate; please make your check out to "The Marine Corps League", and make an entry into the "memo" line in the lower left of your check, "Airport Project". You can mail your check to:

CAMP VICTORY — Iraq is targeting more than 6 million illiterate adults through a national literacy campaign.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization estimates that more than 60 percent of the adult population in Iraq cannot read or write.

This was not always the case, U.N. officials said. At one time, Iraq was considered one of the more educated Arab nations, due mainly to a national literacy campaign conducted from 1976 to 1982. According to 1979 statistics, 6,000 men and 1.4 million women were enrolled in the program, while 23,800 literacy centers employed 73,000 teachers and 6,300 supervisors and administrators.

But war and economic hardships have caused the education system to suffer significantly in the last two decades. Schools fell into disrepair, enrollment dropped, and literacy levels stagnated.

As the country stabilizes, more Iraqis are looking toward participating in literacy programs - information that coalition and Iraqi government officials discovered during transition efforts for members of “Sons of Iraq” citizen security groups hoping to move into the Iraqi Security Forces.

Iraqi Security Forces members must be able to read and write. Fred Collie, of the coalition’s civilian police assistance training team training directorate, wrote that a literate police force is essential to professional, democratic policing and noted that “illiteracy poses a significant barrier to the efficient and effective development of the Iraqi police services.” UNSECO also noted a connection between literacy and the prevention of criminal activity and the influence of extremists.

“Literacy helps to cultivate one’s critical thinking skills,” Army Maj. Virginia Brady, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, explained. “Critical thinking skills change the way a mind works and thinks about stuff. Children copy their parents, and by educating the adults, the children will want to learn, too.”

Women, in particular, directly affect children’s perceptions. Brady said a government-supported program could change how women perceive their world, and they can change how children see the world.

The proposed literacy program is being tested in the Hawija district in northern Iraq, where 500 Sons of Iraq are participating in the program to help pass the Iraqi Security Forces literacy exam.

As of April, seven other literacy programs were operating in Iraq. In the Multinational Division Center area of operation, 13,000 women have been trained throughout Maysan, Qadissiya, Wasit and Basra provinces.

Feature Stories

BAGHDAD — Deep purple eggplant glisten in the sun while stacks of fresh watermelon rest on display safely under cover from the mid-day, 115-degree weather as Striker Brigade Soldiers walk the street admiring the produce and assessing needs of this popular Fish Market in the Suleikh neighborhood of the Adhamiyah District of Baghdad, July 24.

BAGHDAD — The security situation in Iraq’s northern provinces has improved, but Iraqi and coalition troops will continue to pursue al-Qaida in Iraq and other criminal groups, the U.S. commander in the region said July 27.

Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, the commander of Multinational Division – North, told reporters that the number of security incidents in his area of operations has dropped from more than 2,600 in June 2007 to 650 in June 2008. The numbers for July 2008 continue to show a reduction.

• This edition features stories on how the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program is helping Iraq's economy, the progress of NATO's training throughout Iraq and the benefits of improved security outside Baghdad.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The President of the United StatesTakes Pleasure in PresentingThe Navy CrossTo

Robert J. Mitchell, Jr.Corporal, United States Marine Corps

For Services as Set Forth in the Following

Citation:The is presented to Robert J. Mitchell, Jr., Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Squad Leader, Company K, 3d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 13 November 2004.

During a ferocious firefight with six insurgents fighting inside a heavily fortified house, Corporal Mitchell courageously attacked the enemy strongpoint to rescue five wounded Marines trapped inside the house. Locating the enemy positions and completely disregarding his own safety, he gallantly charged through enemy AK-47 fire and hand grenades, in order to assist a critically wounded Marine in an isolated room. Ignoring his own wounds, he began the immediate first aid treatment of the Marine's severely wounded leg.

Assessing that the Marine needed immediate intravenous fluids to survive, he suppressed the enemy, enabling a Corpsman to cross the impact zone. Once the Corpsman arrived, he moved to the next room to assist other casualties. While running across the impact zone a second time, he was hit in the left leg with a ricochet off of his weapon and with grenade shrapnel to the legs and face. While applying first aid, he noticed a wounded insurgent reach for his weapon. With his rifle inoperable, he drew his combat knife, stabbed the insurgent, and eliminated him instantly. Demonstrating great presence of mind, he then coordinated the casualties' evacuation. Limping from his own wounds, Corporal Mitchell assisted in the evacuation of the last casualty through the impact zone under enemy fire, ultimately saving the lives of multiple Marines.

By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Corporal Mitchell reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Home Town:Des Moines, IA

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON — As the security situation across Baghdad continues to show signs of significant improvement, Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment “Regulars,” 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are reaping the benefits from more than three months of concentrated efforts to create a lasting security in the Aamel community, located in the Rashid District of southern Baghdad.

In the first three months since assuming its mission in early April, the Soldiers from the 22nd Inf. Regt. have detained 56 criminals and terrorists, to include 17 of Baghdad’s most wanted individuals, and seized approximately 26 weapons caches comprised of automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices and mortar rounds.

Since July, the company has captured neither criminal, terrorist, nor weapon, but not from lack of trying, said Capt. Drew Conover, commander, Company A, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. He said that in his opinion the enemy is beaten.

“In terms of the special groups criminals, they are beat,” he explained. “I think they are absolutely beaten, and the reason I don’t think they can come back is because of the Iraqi Security Forces.”

Special groups criminals pull their power from the perception that they are strong and in control, said Conover, who graduated from the Virginia Military Institute as an infantry officer.

“Because the insurgency’s presence was so prevalent throughout the population, the people were definitely being controlled by special groups,” he said. “The people were not in control of their own lives.”

The ISF, working with the support of the Government of Iraq, remain very effective in dealing with special groups and Al Qaida in Iraq, due to the fact that they know Iraqis and know the population, explained Conover.

“The ISF are actively targeting special groups, and there is nothing that is stopping them from doing that,” he explained.

Another indicator of the end of special groups’ influence in the predominately Shia community is the influx of lower level fighters who are turning to Coalition forces and ISF for help, said Conover, who is currently on his third deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“They’re done fighting, done running, tired of sleeping outside their houses and running the streets, and they still don’t have a job or any money,” he said. “It became very apparent in April and May, when we began targeting them, and they began to quit.”

Identifying local community leaders, who are willing to take an active role in providing security for their community, such as the Abna al-Iraq (Sons of Iraq), an Iraqi-led neighborhood watch program, and Iraqi citizens who are willing to take an active role in securing their communities from special groups, is the most important step toward achieving a lasting change, said Conover.

“Security and stability will remain, I am convinced of it,” Conover said. “I am convinced that as a whole Aamel will remain stable and secure. Then the Iraqis can start building for economic success, political success.”

Feature Stories

BAGHDAD — The security situation in Iraq’s northern provinces has improved, but Iraqi and coalition troops will continue to pursue al-Qaida in Iraq and other criminal groups, the U.S. commander in the region said July 27.

Army Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, the commander of Multinational Division – North, told reporters that the number of security incidents in his area of operations has dropped from more than 2,600 in June 2007 to 650 in June 2008. The numbers for July 2008 continue to show a reduction.

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces captured two wanted men and detained 28 additional suspected terrorists while targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern parts of the country July 28.

Coalition forces detained two wanted men and five additional suspects during an operation in Abu Ghraib, about 25 kilometers west of Baghdad. One of the men is reportedly an AQI leader who oversees attacks. The other wanted man is allegedly a bomb-maker and emplacer in an AQI attack cell.

MUTHANNA PROVINCE — Because of the generosity of individuals and groups in America, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is doing more than just overseeing the construction of essential service projects in Iraq.

“We’re going out in the community distributing donated clothing and toys to some very grateful Iraqi families,” said Sgt. Danielle Colson, the NCOIC of Gulf Region Division South District’s supply office.

Clean your Plate

Do you live in the state of Illinois? Are you a veteran? If you can answer yes to both of those questions, then you are eligible for receiving a cruise through Kup's Purple Heart Cruise.

This cruise is a 4 hour long event that starts and ends at Navy Pier in Chicago, and is preceded by a short half hour ceremony.

“History of the Kup's Purple Heart Cruise In 1945, as World War II was ending, Irv Kupcinet began a Chicago tradition that would live for 50 years. Dismayed at the large number of troops returning home from the battlefields of Africa, Asia and Europe with life-altering injuries, Kup would often speak of his childhood memories of large numbers of troops returning home from World War I with similar injuries.

These memories stayed with him and in the summer of 1945, through his column in the Chicago Sun (it wouldn't become the Sun-Times until it merged with the Chicago Daily Times a few years later), he orchestrated the first “Purple Heart Cruise.” The cruise instantly became a Chicago institution, one that would last for half a century. One day each year, veterans from all over Illinois would be treated to a relaxing and entertaining cruise on Lake Michigan. The ship may have changed from year to year, but the purpose of the cruise remained the same - to show our veterans how much we appreciate their sacrifice. In 1995, due to his advancing age, Kup retired the cruise.

The cruise will accommodate up to 500 people, and each veteran is able to bring along 1 family member with them. All people attending must be 18 years of age or older. The sign up for the 2008 cruise is complete; there is a waiting list that can be found here.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Back in May of 2004 the World War II Memorial was completed and dedicated in Washington, D.C. During that time, one man, Earl Morse a retired Air Force Captain and Physicians Assistant was working out of a small clinic in Springfield, OH. Because his work brought him in contact with veterans, he often asked them if they had ever thought of visiting WW II Memorial. Not surprisingly, the WW II veterans all expressed a desire to do so. Unfortunately, most were not in a position to make good on that desire, due to their age, most are in their 80’s and physical condition.

Earl decided to take matters into his own hands, and that is how Honor Flight Network began. He started out by flying one veteran if he would like to fly to D.C. to see the memorial. His first flight was in December 2004, when he flew a patient from the clinic at no charge out and back. The next week he asked another WWII veteran the same question, and then fly that man out and back, free of charge. In January 2005, Mr. Morse realized how great the need was for pilots, planes and funds, so he asked a group of 150 members of the aero club he belonged to. There were two conditions that had to be met if they agreed to make the flights.

First, there were to be no charges for the veteran, the pilot would be expected to cover all the charges for the rental of the plane which could run from $600 up to $1200. The second condition involved the pilot acting as an escort for the veteran. He would be expected to stay with the veteran for the day as he toured the monuments. After speaking to the group, 11 members stepped forward.

From that core of a dozen pilots honor flight was born and continues on to this day. The first official flight for Honor Flight took place in May of 2005, carrying 12 veterans on 6 small planes. From those initial 6 flights, they have spread out across the country and are using commercial planes, as the small ones often were unable to fly do to weather. There are still many veterans of WWII who are waiting for their chance at a flight. In September of 2006 HonorAir had their first flight in Henderson County, North Carolina. They later joined together with Honor Flight, to form the Honor Flight Network, which spread across the United States.

They are currently committed to giving preference to the WWII veterans and any veteran with a terminal illness. However, they wish to honor all veterans in the future, such as those from Korea, Vietnam and today’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, to name a few.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY — Since their arrival into the critical Baghdad District of Rusafa, Iraqi Army Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, have played a critical role in the safety and security of the Iraqi people.

Unit Soldiers quickly responded to a tip from a concerned citizen about the possible location of illegal weapons, explained Mtiroka. They met with the individual, who accompanied them to the area where the weapons were thought to be hidden. The suspected location was an empty lot filled with rubble and trash. Soldiers found the cache in bags placed underneath a large pile of garbage, he said. They secured the site and collected the weapons.

“My Soldiers did a great job responding to the tip given to them by the local resident,” said Iraqi Lt. Col. Karsol, commander of 3rd Bn., 4th Bde, 1st IA Div. “This shows that the people of Rusafa can trust us to secure and protect their city.”

In a previous incident, a Rusafa resident reported a cache of RPG rounds hidden in a large white bag placed under an overpass in Muhalla 137, said Mitroka. A patrol rapidly deployed to verify the report. Once IA soldiers arrived, they quickly spotted the white bag, secured the area, and proceeded to investigate the bag’s contents. The Soldiers safely recovered four RPG rounds and two boosters, which were transferred to explosive ordnance detachment experts for proper disposal, explained Mitroka.

“Since the (3rd) Battalion’s arrival in the Rusafa District of Baghdad, they have become efficient in servicing and keeping the neighborhoods safe,” said Mitroka. “They continue to conduct daily patrols, cordon-and-search missions and joint operations with national police and Coalition forces in an attempt to catch criminals trying to disrupt the democratic process.”

(4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division)

Feature Stories

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — Iraqi journalists gathered at the al Kut Hotel to discuss problems, challenges and possible solutions facing their profession in southern Iraq, at a conference held from July 21- 23.

“You are all making history today by attending the first journalism conference in all of southern Iraq,” said Vanessa Beary, Wasit Provincial Reconstruction Team Public Diplomacy Officer, in opening remarks at the conference.

WASHINGTON — An Iraqi organization tasked with consolidating and coordinating that country’s counterterrorism effort is now capable of conducting unilateral missions, a U.S. military official said July 24.

“[The Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force’s] primary mission is to synchronize and focus all elements of Iraqi national power to defeat terrorism here in Iraq,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Simeon Trombitas, director of the Iraqi National Counterterrorism Force Transition Team, told online journalist and bloggers.

Somax Performance Institute is donating its time and technology to help our wounded veterans. The program involves Microfiber Reduction. Microfibers are a form of scar tissue that develops in our connective tissues as a result of stress, and even though it is very mild it has a cast like effect on your mobility/range of movement. Many veterans are finding that after they have gone through their rehabilitation programs, they still don’t have the range of motion, freedom of movement that they seek.

They will be picking two of our wounded veterans, one each from Afghanistan and Iraq, to participate in this week long, 30 hour program.

“Since microfibers are a form of scar tissue, they cannot be released by stretching. Individuals who have developed microfibers find that stretching does not improve their flexibility.

Microfibers can be released with Microfiber Reduction, a special program of connective tissue massage developed by Somax to help athletes improve their flexibility far beyond what stretching alone can do.

Once the microfibers and tension are released, the improvement in flexibility can be maintained by simple stretching.

During 2008, we will donate a week (30 hours) to help one soldier from Afghanistan and one from Iraq to regain their freedom of movement by releasing microfibers that have formed as a result of their injuries in the theater of war.

As time permits, we hope to expand the program in 2009.”

In addition to this program, Somax is also donating a total of 5 Stress Reduction sessions to Afghanistan and Iraq veterans. These sessions are 2 hours in duration, and can be done over the telephone. They are not asking you to discuss the details over the phone, rather they are tapping into a sequence of acupuncture points from earlier sessions. Once a veteran becomes familiar and understands the procedures, then he/she will be able to do this on their own in the future.

In order to qualify you must have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, be willing to write a letter to Somax describing what their situation is, and what they wish to accomplish. Proof of duty must also be provided. For complete eligibility requirements, refer to their site. The address for their application along with an email contact is also provided there.

When you go to their site, you will need to look on the left side bar and scroll down until you see the word “freedom”. By clicking on that you will have all the information about their program, what it does and how to apply.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

The total cost of the Iraq war is approaching the Vietnam War's expense, a congressional report estimates, while spending for military operations after 9/11 has exceeded it.

The new report by the Congressional Research Service estimates the U.S. has spent $648 billion on Iraq war operations, putting it in range with the $686 billion, in 2008 dollars, spent on the Vietnam War, the second most expensive war behind World War II. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the U.S. has doled out almost $860 billion for military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the world.

Every year 40,000 Americans are killed on our highways.

On 9/11, nearly 3,000 people died because they were in an office, working.

Before 9/11, thousands of civilians had been killed by terrorists.

During Saddam's tyranny, 300,000 Iraqi civilians were killed by his regime. (That's an average of 1,000/month)

Every person in today's military has signed and sworn an (re-)enlistment with full knowledge that they would likely go to and fight in Iraq. They considered the risk to be worth it when compared to the risk of failure.

The cost in the lives of Our Troops is amazingly LOW. It is 1/4 of 1% of the daily cost of WWII. It is 3% of the cost of Viet Nam.

Is a civilian life worth more than a Soldier's life? No. Is it worth risking one's life to save the lives of others and oneself? Yes. A person should be able to live peacefully and safely while going to work in their office building. If I were told that I would die a violent death and had the choice of fighting tyrants and terrorists, taking some of them with me /or/ sitting unknowingly in an office building as they took me and my colleagues out, I'd choose to go out fighting saving the lives of those that work in that building.

What some would have us do is simply sacrifice the lives of some Americans, whether civilians or military, when the terrorists choose the place and time of their attack on a peaceful entity. What the Military does is search out and destroy those that would conduct such attacks. The Military should NOT be required to be the easy target. They should be allowed to take the fight to the enemy.

The cost in dollars? How much are lives worth? If every million spent saved one life (and there is no way to know how many have been saved), is that worth it? If every billion spent means one less suicide bomber, is that worth it?

America faces the most brutal and atrocious enemy we have ever faced. Our enemies kill their own. Our enemies kill muslims. Our enemies kill civilians; men, women and children. Our enemies kill for their lust of power. Our enemies are not religious but subverters of religion for purposes of power. They use a religion but they do not adhere to it. Our enemies have NO honor.

The atrocities of Darfur are the works of islamists. The 300,000 Iraqi Civilians killed by Saddam is the work of a despotic tyrant. The thousands of Iranians killed by their government is the work of islamists. The thousands killed by Hezbollah is the work of islamists under the command of Iran. The thousands killed by Special Groups is the work of islamists under the influence of Iran. The tens of thousands of Iraqis killed by Al-Qaeda is the work of islamists.

The Money we have spent on our Current Conflicts have saved the lives of unknown numbers of Americans. But we do know that an average of 1000 Iraqi civilians/month will not be killed by Saddam. And we know that our efforts have reduced the number of Iraqi civilians killed by common criminals, Special Groups and Al-Qaeda from more than 3300/month to less than 750/month. So, currently, we are saving 2550 civilian lives each month. Annualized that is 30,600 civilian lives saved.

If we apply that one year of savings in lraqi lives to our current cost in dollars, it would be $21,176,470/life.

But, if the next 30 years in Iraq is only as safe as our best month so far, then we will have saved 150,000 lives compared to the lives that Saddam took (looking only at his civilian casaulties), each saved life will have cost the US $4.32Million. But the reality is that it will save many more lives than that. We will never know how many Iraqi civilians were saved by improved education, improved medical facilities, decreased violence, improved infrastructure.

We will never know how many Iraqis grow up fondly recalling the kindness of American Troops rather than learning hatred of all Americans. We will never know how many future terrorists were diverted to a life of honor and respect for life, their neighbors and Americans.

We do know that Al-Qaeda fought desperately to turn Iraq into the base of their desired Caliphate (islamist empire). (See the Know Your Enemy Category.)

We do know that Special Groups fought desperately to expand the islamist revolution of Iran.

We do know that had either group accomplished their goals, even if only regionally, they would have killed thousands of civilians, in their areas of control. We do know that if they had achieved their goals they would have used their new base of power to export terrorism to other Nations, now stable including Jordan, Israel, Turkey, the UAE, Africa and South Asia.

We do know that it is better to send our Troops out to find and destroy our enemies in their lairs rather than allow our enemies to destroy our peaceful citizens in our offices. And if that were not my belief, I would not have spent cold winter nights sleeping on cold rocks in the mountains on the other side of the world, risking my life to keep Americans safe in their comfortable climate controlled beds.

“We wanted to provide these people with medical care that they aren’t able to get without traveling far away,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Heingarten, 34, a unit corpsman from Jacksonville, N.C. “It’s a blessing these people have needed for a long time, and we wanted to provide them with that.”

During the event, surgeons and corpsmen were assisted by Iraqi doctors to treat sicknesses ranging from measles to the flu. More than 200 citizens were seen during the event, and the Marines and Sailors had candy and toys to hand out to the children.

“The doctors have done a great job treating the people of Akashat,” said Jalal Muhammad Kabole, 30, local resident. “When they come here and bring medicine to serve to the people, it brings us another step toward becoming a better town. I thank them for all of their help.”

The town is safeguarded by the Iraqi Police and Marines with Delta Company. Since arriving in theatre, Delta Co. has been able to assist the police department in keeping the streets safe. According to some servicemembers, this operation is another step in making the town one of the safest in Iraq.

There are plans to provide more towns with medical care. The doctors and corpsmen returned to their units and hospitals knowing they made a difference in the lives of the people.

“It’s good for the people because we see how they are sick and hurt,” said Lance Cpl. Alex L. Crane, 19, a scout from Middletown, Md., with Delta Co. “It’s an opportunity for them to get care they normally can’t get. It was an honor to be a part of this project.”

Feature Stories

BAGHDAD — More than two-thirds of the Earth is made up of water. But for the residents of northern Baghdad, water is one of the most precious resources – and an often scarce resource.

While the ancient Tigris River flows a few miles away, many farmers in the northern Baghdad districts of Adhamiyah and Istaqlal are left with little alternative but to use sewage water to irrigate their crops.

BASRAH — “I feel blessed to be working on this important project,” said Ryan Hartwig, construction representative with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Basrah Children’s Hospital Office

“Each time we go, we see more progress. I can look at the place now and actually visualize patients using this facility,” he continued. “It’s just very satisfying being part of this effort that will no doubt save or change the lives of so many Iraqi children.”

Game Time

The President of the United StatesTakes Pleasure in PresentingThe Distinguished Service CrossTo

Walter Bryan JacksonFirst Lieutenant [then Second Lieuenant], U.S. Army

For Services as Set Forth in the Following

Citation:For extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a Company Fire Support Officer with Company A, Task Force 1-36 (1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment), Multi-National Corps-Iraq, on 27 September 2006, while engaged in combat operations against an armed insurgent force in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

While recovering a disabled vehicle, Second Lieutenant Jackson's unit came under heavy enemy machine gun fire. Despite the danger, he applied first aid to a severely wounded comrade and was then hit in his thigh with a bullet. Upon regaining consciousness after being shot, Second Lieutenant Jackson alternated between returning fire and administering first aid to the Soldier. Second Lieutenant Jackson was hit again with machine gun fire as he helped carry his wounded comrade to safety, but he never faltered in his aid. Although his own severe wounds required immediate evacuation and surgical care, Second Lieutenant Jackson refused medical assistance until his wounded comrade could be treated.

Second Lieutenant Jackson's selfless courage under extreme enemy fire were essential to saving another Soldier's life and are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, Company A, Task Force 1-36 Infantry, and the United States Army.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Story by Cpl. Chris Lyttle

FALLUJAH, Iraq (July 20, 2008) – After roughly four weeks, the Marines of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines have a new housing compound at Entry Control Point-5 (ECP-5), a post where Marines and Iraqi Police control traffic and safeguard entrants into the city of Fallujah, after a fire destroyed it June 25.

Marines worked alongside the Fallujah Fire Department to subdue the fire. While no one was injured, the fire destroyed several wooden buildings and much of the Marines’ personal possessions and military equipment.

After the incident, the company received overwhelming support from neighboring units, Iraqi local nationals and stateside supporters.

1st Lt. Travis Bowden, executive officer of the company, said the company received such an outpouring of support that the fire feels like it came in the form of a mixed blessing.

“Even though it’s unfortunate that the Marines lost a lot of things, it turned out for the better in the long run,” Bowden said. “We have new buildings and it gives the Marines a fresh start.”

“Local sheiks sent their men to level the ground and spread gravel before we began rebuilding,” said Bowden. “CEB came out and rebuilt the (buildings) within four or five days, and now it looks like the fire never happened. In fact, (the compound) is even better.”

Bowden said toiletries and comfort goods sent by people back home is still arriving. The company received enough items to last them beyond their current deployment, so much that many of the items are being offered to other Marines within the battalion.

“The USO, Red Cross, families and churches from across the country started pouring in support … all the basic stuff to get us through the interim,” Bowden said. “As you look around, there are stacks and stacks of everything the Marines ever needed. The outpouring (of support) from the community back home was overwhelming.”

Though the fire damage was a set-back, Bowden said operations at the ECP ran as usual.

“We didn’t miss a beat,” Bowden said. “We were able to fulfill all of the obligations that were tasked from higher (command) and we’ve been able to fulfill all the things we needed to do out in town with local sheiks and IPs (Iraqi Police).”

Bowden said the only task difficult to keep up with is being able to personally thank every supporter who has contributed to the relief effort.

“I think one of the biggest problems we’re having is that we can’t keep up writing letters to say thank you,” Bowden said. “We’re definitely appreciative, and for those people we couldn’t write back to I’d like to say thank you. The Marines acknowledge the support and they’re very thankful.”

Cpl. Joseph Williams, the training noncommissioned officer for headquarters platoon, is one of several Marines who lost nearly everything in the fire. He said many of the Marines who live and work at the ECP-5 compound had to adjust to living in close quarters and endured a brief but difficult period during the rebuilding process.

“It was cramped, it was hot and there wasn’t a lot of room at all, but we got by,” Williams said, describing their short stay in temporary quarters with no air conditioning and only cots to sleep on.

Williams said it was hard to watch as Marines with CEB-1 bulldozed the burnt compound.

“It was kind of tough to see CEB come and bulldoze everything. Then for about three or four days (before rebuilding began) everyone was thinking, ‘When are they ever going to get it rebuilt,’” Williams joked. “But once they started, the engineers threw it up fast and suddenly everything was done. It was awesome.”

Compared to the previous compound, Williams said the new buildings are more comfortable for the Marines.

“We have brand new ACs that are kicking out nice and the roofs are insulated,” Williams said. “Everything here is brand new and the Marines love it. We have a lot more room, it’s homier and it’s all around just a lot better.”

Williams said the company now has more than everything they will need for the deployment and the Marines can’t get over all of the help they have received.

“Members of my parents’ church (in Hadelhurst, Ga.) sent me five packages of stuff I could give to everyone and there’s still stuff coming in,” Williams said. “We have bins full of anything you could imagine. There’s nothing that you need to get by with that (we don’t have).”

Williams said the Marines are living better now thanks to people who have not forgotten about them.

“We really don’t have enough words to say how thankful we are,” he said. “It’s great to know that we are not forgotten over here. The Marines are all appreciative of the support because it makes your day a lot better when you can get up in the morning and shave, shower and brush your teeth. It’s the simple things that make your day a lot better and your deployment a lot easier.”

As of 9/11, the Northern Alliance was a group of several tribal rebels, whose military leader had been assassinated two days prior.

Another faction was the HIG, which had fallen out of favor with the Taliban and were fighting it.

In 2003, The Taliban had become the rebels, based in the Pashtun tribes that are on both sides of the Pakistan/Afghanistan border. They have joined with the HIG in an alliance of convenience.

From 2002 through 2007, Al-Qaeda had abandoned the Taliban and focused their attention on Iraq, shamed by the fact that it was their actions on 9/11 which had led to the loss of their stronghold and more concerned with attaining an Arabic Nation situated strategically in the heart of the Islamic world.

The Petraeus Plan aggressively attacked Al-Qaeda in Iraq, pushing them farther and farther back and now their last safehouses are in Mosul as opposed to their oppression of great portions of Iraq in places like Fallujah, Anbar and Diyala.

As 2007 came to a close, Al-Qaeda was looking for the next place to attempt a ruling status. They opened fronts in North Africa but their attacks on the UN and civilians there turned many against them. The Government of Sudan realized that they were already in a precarious situation and needed to keep their old ally at arm's length. Algeria had fought hard for their democracy and freedom from France and resists the attempts by AQ to make inroads. Egypt has proven a failure for both AQ and (Iranian backed) Hezbollah. Even the radicals of Palestine and Lebanon have rejected AQ.

So, AQ is looking to return to its roots in Afghanistan, which corresponds to the rhetoric of the left and could likely help get their favored candidate elected here.

The larger question is: Will Al-Qaeda again err about a foreign culture? Will they (or Hezbollah) attempt an attack on US Soil prior to the elections in hopes of repeating their success with that tactic in Spain OR does their Propaganda Chief, American AQ Adam Gadahn of California remember enough of his roots to advise his boss OBL to avoid an attack lest it put McCain in office?

The President of the United StatesTakes Pleasure in PresentingThe Navy CrossTo

Aubrey L. McDade, Jr.Sergeant, United States Marine Corps

For Services as Set Forth in the Following

Citation:For extraordinary heroism while serving as Machine Gun Squad Leader attached to 1st Platoon, Company B, First Battalion, Eighth Marines, Regimental Combat Team &, FIRST Marine Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 11 November 2004.

Shortly after departing a platoon firm base and proceeding south toward Phase Line Grace, 1st Platoon entered an alley and encountered an immediate heavy volume of small arms and machine gun fire. In the opening seconds of the engagement, three Marines were seriously wounded as the well positioned and expecting enemy pinned others down. On contact, Sergeant McDade rushed from the rear of the platoon column toward the kill zone and immediately deployed a machine gun team into the alley to provide suppressive fire on the enemy. After several attempts to reach casualties in the alley were met with heavy, well-aimed machine gun fire, he showed total disregard for his own safety by moving across the alley and successfully extracting the first of three wounded Marines from the kill zone. Aware of the fact that there were still two wounded Marines in the alley, Sergeant McDade dashed through the heart of the kill zone two more times, each time braving intense enemy fire to successfully retrieve a Marine. After extracting the last casualty from the kill zone, he assisted in the treatment and medical evacuation to these Marines.

His quick thinking and aggressive actions were crucial in saving the lives of two of the three casualties. Sergeant McDade’s undaunted courage, fighting spirit and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

WASHINGTON — The surge in Iraq has been a success by any measure, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said during a news conference June 23.

The policy, announced by President Bush in December 2006, pushed additional brigades in to Iraq to provide a security umbrella so the Iraqi military could build and the country’s government could grow.

The surge has allowed Iraq to make improvements from security, political and economic standpoints, Morrell said. The last of the five surge brigade combat teams recently left Iraq.

“By every metric that we measure violence in Iraq, there has been a dramatic improvement from where things were before the surge,” Morrell said. “I'll just point to one, and that is [that] in July of last year, we had 79 U.S. [servicemembers killed in action] in Iraq. We have four thus far this month.”

The dramatic security gains have provided room for political and economic successes. “You name it, it is happening in Iraq,” Morrell said. “Do you want to talk about political gains? We've had basically all the major benchmark legislation passed.”

The Sunni bloc has returned to the government, 10 of 18 Iraqi provinces are under local control, and Najaf International Airport has reopened. “You see a $300 million luxury hotel opening up in the Green Zone [and] $50 million in refurbishment of the airport road,” Morrell said. “There's economic investment, and there's political progress. There's increased security. All those things are undeniable, and they are attributable to the fact that we plussed up forces in there.”

There were, of course, other factors at work in the security improvement, Morrell said, but the surge and the change in U.S. counterinsurgency strategy made all else possible. The “Anbar Awakening” that allied formerly insurgent Sunni Muslims with the coalition and influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire were other factors, he said, but he noted they didn’t happen independently of other events.

“If we think that Sadr acted in a vacuum, I think we're kidding ourselves,” Morrell said. “There clearly was political and military pressure which caused him to make a decision to have his troops stand down.

“But we benefitted from it, no doubt,” he continued. “There's no question that the awakening in Anbar, the cease-fire by Sadr, simultaneous to the surge, has helped the overall security situation in Iraq.”

There can be no honest & defensible assertion that the the change in strategy authored by Petraeus, along with the increase in troop numbers, has made a tremendously positive difference in Iraq. AQI has been almost eliminated. Regardless of when the "Anbar Awakening" began, the turning of the Iraqi people against AQI & other islamist groups continued throughout the surge and is part of the Petraeus counterinsurgency strategy. It worked. Petraeus & the troops deserve full credit for its implementation. McCain was right about the surge/change in strategy from the start, & Obama was wrong & remains wrong, unwilling to correct his errors. Posted by WH

"It is your opinion that the surge troops were needed to sustain the awakening (if that's your claim). The awakening was doing well pre-surge, so it's just an opinion, not proven."

It is not opinion that it worked. It is not opinion that he authored the plan.

What would be opinion is if Obama had attempted to answer the question: "What would have happened if the Surge had not been implemented?" He was smart enough to say "I don't know" rather than admit that his plan for retreat in 2006 would have resulted in the defeat of the Nation that he seems to desire.

Opinion: If Obama's plan for Immediate Retreat had been implemented in 2006 or 2007 rather than the Petraeus Plan:

Al-Qaeda and Iranian Backed Special Groups would be fighting over the remnants of Iraq today. Perhaps they would be working out a truce but I doubt they'd be at that stage yet.

The Kurds would be entrenched in the North, waiting out the winner in the South, and hoping that the Turks did not invade based on US assurances that We would use our best diplomacy to assure the Turks that no ill will would come out of the future Kurdistan or perhaps we would encourage the Turks to annex the Kurd territory.

But THAT is Opinion.

FACT: The Petraeus Plan is directly responsible for our current Sustained Successes in Iraq.

FACT: Obama has opposed the Petraeus Plan from proposal through demonstrated Sustained Success.

FACT: McCain called for the Surge when Rumsfeld and Bush still opposed it.

FACT: McCain Called for the Surge in opposition to Bush and Rumsfeld.

FACT: Obama has opposed the Surge from proposal through Sustained Success.

FACT: Petraeus Plan was implemented.

FACT: Violence is down for a sustained period of time since Petreaus' Plan was implemented.

FACT: If 30,000 troops had nothing to do with success in Iraq, then 20,000 would do nothing to change the reality in Afghanistan.

FACT: The Anbar Awakening councils were a change of attitude in 2006.

FACT: Petraeus changed the change in attitude to a concrete program of action against islamist Al Qaeda in Al Anbar.

FACT: Violence peaked post the change in Attitude of the Anbar Awakening and when that attitude was changed into actions by Petraeus.

FACT: Obama OPPOSED the Winning Strategy in Iraq. (Petraeus Plan)

FACT: Obama has ZERO Military Experience.

FACT: McCain called for the Surge in opposition to his party.

OPINION: Obama is WRONG for America because

FACT: He has a proven record of being WRONG on Iraq and has no demonstrable record that he will make the right decisions for the right reasons on Afghanistan.

The facts clearly demonstrate that the Petraeus Plan has brought us Sustained Successes despite the vehement opposition to allowing it by Obama, Reid, Pelosi & Hillary.

It clearly demonstrates that violence (in the form of enemy initiated attacks) steadily climbed through its peak in the week of 22 June 2007 and then fell off a cliff from approximately 1550 attacks that week to approximately 230 attacks in the most recently reported week.

In those drastic reductions of violence, there are two spikes that stand out: the week of 11 Sep 2007 and the week of 25 March 2008, when the enemy obliged the left side of the aisle in support of their anti-Petraeus rhetoric while he testified to Congress.

At this point, it would be good to look back at the anti-Petraeus arguments:

Winter 2007: "The Surge Can't work. It's just putting more targets out for the enemy. There is no Al-Qaeda in Iraq."

WOTN response: "There is no such thing as having too many friends shooting at the enemy."

The enemy we face is brutal and must be stopped. There are clear links between Zarqawi, al-Maysara, al-Masari and others to Al-Qaeda. Each are foreign fighters that have been instructors in Al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan pre-9/11

Spring 2007: "The Surge Isn't working: Violence is up."

WOTN response: The Troops aren't there yet and the General is aggressively targeting the enemy.

Summer 2007: "The Surge Isn't working: Violence is up."

WOTN response: The Troops are just getting on the ground. The General is aggressivley targeting the enemy.

Fall 2007: "The Surge didn't work: Decreased Violence is temporary."

WOTN response: The facts demonstrate greatly reduced violence in many parts of Iraq. Time will demonstrate if the trend holds.

WOTN response: Iraqi Politicians continue to risk their lives, just to go to work every day. If two parties in Congress can't agree on simple issues, why do they expect multiple parties in Iraq to agree on contentious issues and who cares about "Carbon Emissions" when Iraq is still securing their democracy!

Spring 2008: "The Surge didn't work: Iraqi Parliament has only met a few of Congressional demands."

WOTN response: Iraqi Parliament was hammering out rules for the Regional Elections while Congress investigated why a Baseball Pitchers butt was bleeding in an elevator 10 years ago and who was at MLB pool party 10 years ago, instead of addressing FISA legislation. What Hypocrisy!

Summer 2008: "Sure Violence is down and the Iraqi Parliament has met most of the Congressional Demands, but it had nothing to do with the Petraeus Plan the left opposed."

WOTN Response: IF the left side of the aisle had not attempted to play politics and to endorse the slander of a non-political General in September 2007, they would not be in this political dilemna now.

Facts are facts, regardless of whether they are recognized or not. Facts do not change based on a "point of view." Conclusions, Opinions and the meaning of facts may change based on a point of view, but the facts remain the same.

The facts demonstrate that Iraq is safer, freer, more secure, and more democratic today than it has been in decades.

The facts demonstrate that all metrics of violence have been dramatically reduced from their peaks which correspond to the arrival of the last "Surge Brigades" in Iraq.

The facts demonstrate that The Petraeus Plan was called for by McCain prior to approval and opposed by Obama steadfastly through the point it was proven to have attained Sustained Successes. And that is THE reason why the left side of the aisle continues to attempt to deny it is the reason for Success in Iraq.

But it is easy to see that the left recognizes that the Petraeus Plan has worked: They are calling for it to be mirrored in Afghanistan. They have confirmed Petraeus to take command at CentCom. (95-2) They have confirmed General Odierno (Petraeus' recommendation and #2) to take over in Iraq.

IF the left did NOT think the Petraeus Plan and the Surge had worked, it would be morally wrong for them to call for it to be used in Afghanistan.

-"We" did not execute the plan. General Petraeus and the Commanders that report to him and the Soldiers on the Ground executed the plan, despite opposition from the left side of the aisle. American Veterans SUPPORTED the plan and the left side of the aisle vehemently opposed it.

-The left is attempting all kinds of spin to remove the responsibility of a Winning Strategy from the person who Wrote it, Requested it, and Implemented it, but the facts, no matter how they are sliced simply support the Fact that the Petraeus Plan worked.

Infrastructure in Iraq is beyond what it was in 2002. (Energy production, oil production, water supply, sewage, telephones, cars)

Freedom is well beyond their peers in the region as well as all of their past. (newspapers, freedom of speech, freedom to peaceably assemble, tv stations, radio stations, elections)

Violence is down dramatically from any point in the past years and decades with the drop in violence occuring at the point that the Surge Brigades began operating. (Enemy Initiated Attacks, Attacks on Iraqi Police, Attacks on Journalists, Attacks on Iraqi Army, Attacks on Coalition Forces, Attacks on Civilians, IED's, Assassinations, Sniper Attacks, etc.) All down dramatically.

- Evidently the Mission for that "Residual Force" which was once "in the region" and now in Iraq, has been expanded (progress in Obama's "change" of policies and politics) and with it expanded to 50,000 troops.

Here's the thing: Why would Obama claim 50,000 troops is not enough in Afghanistan but is enough in Iraq? Why would the partisans claim the Surge is not responsible for Success in Iraq but should be implemented in Afghanistan?

Defeatism has been defeated and the Retreatists are attempting a retreat from their failures to prevent a Victory.

Thousands of troops are returning home and making regular
trips to their local VA Hospital for evaluation, treatment or rehabilitation,
and regular health care. With the high cost of gas, these vital trips are
becoming more and more of a burden for some veterans.

Now the Soldiers’ Angels VA Team is stepping up to help with
the Tank Support program. Grateful Americans can help give a veteran some “tank
support” by purchasing a gasoline gift card. All gas cards received will be
sent to the VA Hospitals across the country to help ensure returning OEF/OIF
Veterans get the checkups and medical care they need.

“It’s so important that our returning heroes get regular evaluations
and basic healthcare after having been in combat,” says Soldiers’ Angels
founder Patti Patton-Bader. “The Tank Support program is an important way to
help veterans to stay on top of their ongoing healthcare needs.”

You can help returning veterans by purchasing a $10.00 gas
card today at any chain gas station in your area or ordering online through
www.svmcards.net and using the shipping address below. You can also make a
donation through the Soldiers' Angels site and indicate
that it is for the Tank Support program.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki waved to cheering crowds July 20 as he stepped off the first plane landing at Najaf International Airport.

The celebration marked the opening of a new airport that will facilitate travel, boost business opportunities and increase tourism.

"The Najaf airport is a starting point for competition among provinces and local governments to make extraordinary progress toward reconstruction. … We were determined to face the terrorism that was about to destroy Iraq,” Maliki said. “The strong will of the federal government has fought and defeated it in all of its forms.”

Iraqi Soldiers and police officers maintained control over the mass of media and photographers who came to record the historic event. Children laughed and waved Iraqi flags. Men and women posed for pictures, hugging one another, kissing cheek-to-cheek with greetings. Musicians played enchanting melodies, and singers sang with spirit.

Najaf is one of the holiest cities for Shiia Muslims. The city is renowned as the site of the tomb of Imam Ali Talib, whom Shiias consider the prophet Muhammad’s heir. The site is believed to be the third-most-popular destination for Islamic pilgrimages, after the Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca and Medina.

The airport will employ hundreds of people, from security guards to customer service representatives. The airport also will create new opportunities in the economy for hotels and restaurants, travel agencies, banks, currency exchange, and even agricultural processing to feed Najaf’s new visitors. Officials hope the airport will attract businesses and investors.

“The benefits of this facility will ripple throughout the local, provincial, regional and national economy,” said Angus Simmons, team leader for the Najaf Provincial Reconstruction . The PRT helped to facilitate construction contracts and linked airport officials with a U.S. transportation advisor who specializes in airport management.

The new airport is part of a multi-billion dollar project led by the investment firm Al-Aqeelah, based in Kuwait. The firm plans to build thousands of new homes and hotels in the city. A total of $80 million has been committed to the airport’s construction, $50 million of it already invested in the project.

“I would say the Najaf people and the leadership here at the provincial level have a very national viewpoint on what this airport does for Iraq,” said Army Col. Jefforey Smith, deputy commanding general for support for Multi-National Division - Center and the 10th Mountain Division.

“About the only other way you could have gotten into this part of the country previously was by vehicle. There’s no train system that comes through here,” Smith said. “So this airport is going to be huge, not only for Najaf, but … it will affect the other major cities in the province of Karbala [and others] north and west of here.”

The airport will help not only the province of Najaf to prosper, but also will benefit the neighboring provinces of Karbala, Babil and Qadasiyah. Before now, the closest airport was in Baghdad, hundreds of miles north of these areas.

“I think it’s a positive time — it’s a good time — to open this airport,” Smith said.

Feature Stories

Water leaks through numerous cracks in the roof and air conditioners do not operate, effectively causing temperatures inside the building to climb to unbearable lengths. The walls covered with mold, no doors to the classrooms, broken windows, and cracks in the walls large enough to see the surrounding farmlands.

Despite all this, approximately 600 students at the Al Abbas primary school, located in northwest Baghdad’s remote New Taji Nahia, continued to study and garner their education.

TIKRIT — More than 1,100 former fighters have reconciled with Iraqi Security and Coalition forces in the Salah ad Din province since May.

Musalahah, meaning reconciliation in Arabic, is a combined effort between the Qadah level Government of Iraq, the leadership of the Iraqi Police, the 4th Iraqi Army Division and the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

By turning themselves into the Joint Coordination Centers across the province, Iraqis are seeking to clear their names. Men who are thought to have committed crimes are given a court date, so they can plead their cases before an Iraqi judge.

The President of the United StatesTakes Pleasure in PresentingThe Navy CrossTo

Marco A. MartinezCorporal, United States Marine Corps

For Services as Set Forth in the Following

Citation:For extraordinary heroism while serving as 1st Fire Team Leader, 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 12 April 2003. Responding to a call to reinforce his Platoon that was ambushed, Corporal Martinez effectively deployed his team under fire in supporting positions for a squad assault.

After his squad leader was wounded, he took control and led the assault through a tree line where the ambush originated. As his squad advanced to secure successive enemy positions, it received sustained small arms fire from a nearby building. Enduring intense enemy fire and without regard for his own personal safety, Corporal Martinez launched a captured enemy rocket propelled grenade into the building temporarily silencing the enemy and allowing a wounded Marine to be evacuated and receive medical treatment. After receiving additional fire, he single-handedly assaulted the building and killed four enemy soldiers with a grenade and his rifle.

By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Corporal Martinez reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

What is the Special Operation Warrior Foundation (SOWF) all about? They were founded in 1980, as a way to serve the Special Operations community, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines who are in Special Operations. They are a non profit charitable organization which provides educational counseling, free college scholarships and immediate financial assistance to the wounded warrior.

“The Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) began in 1980 as the Col. Arthur D."Bull" Simons Scholarship Fund. The Bull Simons Fund was created after the Iranian hostage rescue attempt to provide college educations for the 17 children surviving the nine men killed or incapacitated at Desert One. It was named in honor of the legendary Army Green Beret, Bull Simons, who repeatedly risked his life on rescue missions.” http://www.specialops.org/?page=SOWFFacts

I encourage you to follow the above link to read more on the history of this group. It is quite fascinating.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

COMBAT OUTPOST SUMMERS — Walking down the busy streets of Suwayrah at sundown, the city’s residents met Soldiers with handshakes and friendly smiles. Children gathered everywhere the Soldiers stopped to talk to residents.

As the patrol of Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment continued on its way, the children followed, practicing their English and enjoying the early evening stroll.

“Wherever we roll, it’s like a parade,” said Sgt. Robert Delong, an infantryman from central Minnesota, whose previous deployment to Iraq was in Ramadi. This time around, he said, things are different.

Soldiers of Co. B, 2nd Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. conducted joint patrols with their Iraqi Army counterparts in the northern Wasit province. The patrol was not only a way of showing their presence, but to gather information on local businesses and to hear local citizens’ concerns.

Soldiers of Co. B’s 1st Plt. began their day with an early morning patrol in Raminiyah, along the west bank of the Tigris River, visiting Sons of Iraq checkpoints and talking with local citizens and community leaders. In the rural parts of Co. B’s area, where there are few police, the SoI help keep the roads safe and prevent insurgents and weapons from coming into the area. It’s an around-the-clock task, and many of the checkpoints have tents or shelters nearby where SoI members rest between shifts.

The Soldiers of Co. B, attached to the 1st Bn., 76th Field Artillery Regt., 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, make sure the checkpoints are manned and the SoI have what they need as part of their patrols.

Later, they met up with IA Soldiers of the 3rd Bde., 2nd IA Div. in the city of Suwayrah. After pairing up with their IA “battle buddies,” the Soldiers conducted a joint patrol on foot, taking them through the city’s main streets.

“At this stage we try to get the population on our side,” Delong said. “We try to maintain their happiness and give them things that they need. Basically, we ask them what they need, and we take notes.”

“It’s been unusual for me, because I’m not used to working with the population. This deployment, it’s candy and sunshine every day. People come out of their houses to see you. It’s been difficult for a lot of us vets to get used to. It’s just like talking to friends back home.”

In recent years, Suwayrah has been a relative island of peace in comparison to its neighbors to the north and west. Since Company B arrived here more than two months ago, there have been no attacks aimed at Coalition forces, said Capt. Dustin Ornatowski, commander of Company B. With little insurgent or criminal activity in the area, his company’s main mission now is to help local citizens repair damaged infrastructure and build their economy, he said.

“Economics and infrastructure are the biggest problems in this area,” said Ornatowski, of Edwardsburg, Mich. “You’re always going to have leftover insurgency elements and criminal elements wherever you go. Right now, those elements are not actively fighting against us in this area,” he said.

Company B Soldiers are working to identify key leaders and find out what the communities in their area need the most. Currently, they hear mostly of the need for reliable electricity and water pumps to keep the region’s irrigation canals flowing, said Ornatowski. Many pumps are damaged or missing, and getting them running again is necessary to supply farmers in the area.

Feature Stories

BAGHDAD — Coalition forces captured two wanted men and detained two additional suspects during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq’s financial infrastructure around Baghdad July 22-23.

An alleged AQI financier was detained with one additional suspect during an operation near Samarra, 110 kilometers north of Baghdad. The man is assessed to be involved with known terrorists, including one killed during an operation May 6.

BAGHDAD — During a visit to the area July 19, Brig. Gen. Jeffery Buchanan, deputy commanding general for operations for Multi-National Division – Center, met with Brig. Gen. Jabbar Nama, deputy commander for the 10th Iraqi Army Division, to discuss operations and the future well-being of Maysan Province.

BAGHDAD — Serving more than 2000 homes and businesses, two water networks at a cost of $2.6 million are almost complete in the Kadamiyah area of Baghdad.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division, and the Baghdad Water Authority are working together to replace the old and damaged pipeline system in the Kadamiyah district to supply a better quality and quantity of water.

The President of the United StatesTakes Pleasure in PresentingThe Distinguished Service CrossTo

Stephen C. SanfordPrivate First Class, U.S. Army

For Services as Set Forth in the Following

Citation:For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with the 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172d Stryker Brigade Combat Team, on 19 November 2005, during combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Private Sanford displayed extraordinary courage during the evacuation of casualties from a home in Mosul, Iraq, while under intense enemy fire. Although shot through the leg during his squad’s initial assault attempt, he accompanied his squad during their second assault. Once inside the house, he provided a heavy volume of suppressive fire while the casualties were evacuated. He continued to engage the enemy while escorting the wounded Soldiers from the house. He returned to the house a second time to provide vital covering fire and security for the final withdrawal of the casualties. When the last Soldier leaving the house was shot in the neck, Private Sanford, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved to the Soldier and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

While attempting to revive the other Soldier, he was shot twice more in the back. Protecting the fallen Soldier, Private Sanford returned fire and killed an insurgent while receiving two more potentially fatal gunshot wounds. He continued to return devastating fire on the enemy while helping his wounded comrade until he was incapacitated by his own loss of blood.

Private Sanford’s gallant deed was truly above and beyond the call of duty and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, the United States Army, and the United States of America.

Have you heard of this race before? Most likely not, since July 19th was the first annual “Run To Remember.” I wouldn’t have known about it, except MSgt. Jonathan White and his son ran the half marathon. His wife, daughter and other son ran the 5K. To say it was a hard run would be putting it mildly. Jonathan described it this way.

“Dirt, mud, rocks, and HILLS. Lots of them. 300 meter inclines. Anyway, Josh and I ran together. 13.1 miles 2:12. Josh won 1st place for 15-19 year old males. Peg, Kayla, Benjamin ran the 5K.

All were victorious today."

There were some nasty inclines, and it was a cross country run through the dirt and rocks. The 5K run was no cake walk either!

Anything less would have surprised me when I found out the race was to honor those members of the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). This was not a typical run along the city streets. I found this graph showing the ups and downs (inclines) of the race.

I was able to get in contact with CH (Cpt) Waldrop, and realized that he was the man, the inspiration behind the organization of this annual event. The chaplain explained it to me this way.

“Over the years the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) has honored its past by holding individual memorials for each of our fallen heroes years after their death.

Over the course of the last two years our operational tempo has increased and we are now a battalion size element engaged in combat and training on three continents. As the difficulty in honoring our fallen heroes increased so did my resolve that we should not forsake the annual tributes to our brothers.

So I began exploring ways that could appropriately honor our soldiers and make it a capstone event. Also, I wanted to open the event up to our community so I sought out the help of our Fitness Coordinator for USAG Stuttgart.

Together, we created a program that would both benefit the community and allow the 1-10 SFG (A) Family Readiness Group to raise funds for the Special Operation Warrior Foundation. Both the race and the fundraiser, while separate events, were extremely successful.”

Each participant was given a race shirt with the names of the fallen members on the front of it. If a runner wanted to pay tribute to a specific fallen colleague they could have that name placed on the back of this shirt. The Chaplain introduced the lady that started the runners off. Her husband had died in Afghanistan last year. As a special note, one of the distinctive features of this race was that it took the runners by the MSG Chris Keith Memorial which is a permanent landmark in the Local Training Area (LTA).

I asked Jonathan why he chose this particular race.

“My friends names were on the shirts. They didn't make it home. I ran for them. My family ran for them. It was their day. They were hard warriors and this was a hard race. Definitely befitting of them.”

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

The President of the United StatesTakes Pleasure in PresentingThe Navy CrossTo

Stephen BassChief Petty Officer, United States NavyFor Services as Set Forth in the Following

Citation:For extraordinary heroism while serving with the British Special Boat Service during combat operations in Northern Afghanistan on 25 and 26 November 2001. Chief Petty Officer Stephen Bass deployed to the area as a member of a Joint American and British Special Forces Rescue Team to locate and recover two missing American citizens, one presumed to be seriously injured or dead, after hard-line Al Qaeda and Taliban prisoners at the Quala-I-Jangi fortress in Mazar-e-Sharif over powered them and gained access to large quantities of arms and ammunition stored at the fortress.

Once inside, Chief Petty Officer Bass was engaged continuously by direct small arms fire, indirect mortar fire and rocket propelled grenade fire. He was forced to walk through an active anti-personnel minefield in order to gain entry to the fortress. After establishing the possible location of both American citizens, under heavy fire and without concern for his own personal safety, he made two attempts to rescue the uninjured citizen by crawling toward the fortress interior to reach him. Forced to withdraw due to large volumes of fire falling on his position, he was undeterred. After reporting his efforts to the remaining members of the rescue team, they left and attempted to locate the missing citizen on the outside of the fortress.

As darkness began to fall, no attempt was going to be made to locate the other injured American citizen. Chief Petty Officer Bass then took matters into his own hands. Without regard for his own personal safety, he moved forward another 300-400 meters into the heart of the fortress by himself under constant enemy fire in an attempt to locate the injured citizen. Running low on ammunition, he utilized weapons from deceased Afghans to continue his rescue attempt. Upon verifying the condition and location of the American citizen, he withdrew from the fortress.

By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Chief Petty Officer Bass reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

WASHINGTON — Setting a timeline for U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq would be “dangerous,” and troop reductions there should continue to be made based on security conditions on the ground, the nation’s top military officer said July 20.

President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki this week agreed to set a general “time horizon" for bringing more U.S. troops home from the war, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said in an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” but he added that to his knowledge, the agreement does not include specific dates. “I think the consequences could be very dangerous in that regard,” he said.

The admiral stressed his view that troop-strength decisions must be conditions-based, but said he wants to see more U.S. forces come home. “I think the strategic goals of having timed horizons are ones that we all seek,” he said, “because eventually we would like to see U.S. forces draw down and eventually all come home,” he said.

Though he said he worries that a “rapid” movement of U.S. forces out of Iraq could create instability, Mullen said he found during a trip there two weeks ago that security conditions were better than he expected they would be, and that could mean more troops can come home if the trend continues.

“If conditions continue to improve, I would look to be able to make recommendations to President Bush in the fall to continue those reductions,” Mullen said.

With the return home this month of the last “surge” brigade, commanders will spend the next several weeks assessing post-surge conditions in Iraq, including political and economic progress, before making their recommendations concerning future troop levels.

“We’re engaged very much right now with the Iraqi people,” Mullen said. “The Iraqi leadership is starting to generate the kind of political progress that we need to make, [and] the economy is starting to move in the right direction.”

The admiral said he doesn’t know if that means more troops could be home by the end of this administration in January. Logistics and other security details would factor into that, he explained.

“There is a physical challenge with respect to moving troops around,” he said. “You just can’t do it overnight.”

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visits with a neighborhood leader in Rashid, Iraq, March 1. While U.S. President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki recently agreed to set a general “time horizon" for bringing more U.S. troops home, Mullen said in an interview July 20 that to his knowledge, the agreement does not include specific dates.

Though
based in New Orleans, The Radiators have been rocking
fans across America
for decades. Now they are spreading their music around the world with a
donation of nearly 3,000 CDs to the troops. Soldiers' Angels will be
receiving the donation and including CDs in the thousands of care packages it
ships overseas each month.

With
thirty years together, The Radiators are a rarity in today’s music world: a
monument to loyalty and teamwork much like that required of American military
personnel deployed around the word. Combining rock, blues and funk with their
unique style, they are known for extensive improvisation and just plain having
fun onstage. Their latest effort is a compilation of their thirty years
of rocking: Wild & Free

Soldiers'
Angels is honored and grateful to assist The Radiators in their efforts to
support the troops, and will make The Radiators their Featured Artist for
August on the Soldiers' Angels homepage.

Monday, July 21, 2008

The President of the United StatesTakes Pleasure in PresentingThe Navy CrossTo

Justin D. LehewGunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps

For Services as Set Forth in the Following

Citation: For extraordinary heroism as Amphibious Assault Platoon Sergeant, Company A, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, Task Force Tarawa, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 23 and 24 March 2003. As Regimental Combat Team 2 attacked north towards An Nasiriyah, Iraq, lead elements of the Battalion came under heavy enemy fire.

When the beleaguered United States Army 507th Maintenance Company convoy was spotted in the distance, Gunnery Sergeant Lehew and his crew were dispatched to rescue the soldiers. Under constant enemy fire, he led the rescue team to the soldiers.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH — National Policeman and their U.S. National Police Transition Team partners took to the streets of eastern Baghdad to enforce a weapons-free zone in and around Al Amin, July 13.

Policemen from 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, led a clearing operation of the Al Amin power station and the surrounding area. Capt. Arthur Benson, an intelligence advisor with the 1st Bn., 4th Bde. 1st NP Div. NPTT explained that the Government of Iraq declared Al Amin an area where no weapons are allowed.

U.S. Forces working with National Policemen gathered the intelligence that prompted the mission. Their intelligence indicated possible caches and Special Groups leaders living in the area, said Benson.

In a continuing positive trend, National Policemen took the lead as U.S. Soldiers supported them through coaching, teaching and mentoring during the mission, explained Benson. In addition, the NPTT Soldiers were there to provide backup and a little more firepower if mission conditions called for it, he said, commenting that the National Police performed superbly.

“They’ve got great officers and (are) also developing a great non-commissioned officer corps,” said Benson.

Hakeem Jabar, an intelligence official with 1st Bn., 4th Bde., 1st NP Div., said he is proud of the work the National Police are doing as they improve the overall security for the people of Iraq.

The National Police has come a long way since Benson arrived as the NPTT intelligence advisor, he said. They have formed individual companies, 1st through 4th, and a Special Weapons and Tactics platoon, he cited as examples.

“They (National Police) got the mission late last night, prepared quite well and did their pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections,” explained Benson. Once NPTT Soldiers met with their National Police counterparts that morning, the policemen were ready to roll out and conduct the mission without any problems, he said.

Overall, National Police intelligence has improved from the very basic alerting of an improvised explosive device to now knowing specific information about the names and locations of IED makers, explained Benson.

Iraqi Policemen assigned to 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, lay out weapons they confiscated during a search with their National Police Transition Team partners in the Al Amin area of eastern Baghdad, July 13. By Spc. Grant Okubo.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ECHO — The governor of Qadasiyah province assumed security responsibility from Multi-National Force - Iraq during a ceremony in the provincial capital of ad-Diwaniyah, July 16.

Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin, commander of Multi-National Corps - Iraq, signed an agreement with Provincial Governor Hamed al-Khoudari, which gives responsibility of providing security to the people of Qadisiyah and the Government of Iraq.

Austin thanked Maj. Gen. Andrjez Malinowski, Polish Army commander in charge of Coalition forces in the province, for helping to keep the area safe for the past five years, but gave credit for the transfer of security responsibility to the performance of the Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

“The ISF have done a tremendous job in providing security for the population,” said Austin, in his remarks during the ceremony. “They have fought hard, and the freedom to celebrate today is the result of their efforts.”

Austin said that MNC-I would continue to support the ISF, as well as the Government of Iraq and provincial government to provide “sustainable security” for the people of Qadasiyah province.

BAGHDAD — “This ancient civilization of Mesopotamia, between the two historic rivers, taught the world how to read and how to write,” said Ahmed Rubayee, the Director General of Baghdad’s Rusafa 2 Education Department at al Neel school opening last week. “That is what we are doing here today, establishing a school, and to once again, be civilized and concentrate on teaching our children to read and write.”

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Director General Rubayee congratulated Officer in Charge of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Loyalty Resident Office Maj. Robert Culberson for the successful completion of the $797,000 “well-constructed, attractive” elementary school. The director general described the school as a treasure and a lesson in what is important.

More than 50 guests and visitors toured the modern school facilities and freshly-manicured grounds nestled in a Rusafa neighborhood that is one of the oldest parts of Baghdad.

Officials from the Ministry of Education, Baghdad’s Rusafa Governate, the Iraqi National Police, the Rusafa Fire Brigade, the 10th Mountain Division and USACE Gulf Region Central district took part in the celebration.

“This is a feel-good moment for us to give this to the community,” commented Maj. Culberson. “It is so very important for further stability, and shows the progress we’re making in Iraq.”

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — The people of al Kut are receiving more reliable electricity, thanks to the upgrade of the Old al Kut substation 33kV switch gear, which increases the availability of power for transmission and distribution.

Two sections of the antiquated substation were replaced and came online approximately two weeks ago. Government officials celebrated its completion during a ribbon cutting ceremony, July 16.

“The people of al Kut have noticed a significant increase in the power available,” said Staff Sgt. David McFate, a team leader with 411th Civil Affairs Team. “One person told us that they went from having just minutes of electricity a day to several hours.”

Most significantly, the improvements to the substation increased the reliability of power distributed to approximately 300,000 people in al Kut, nearly half of the population.

Not all calling cards are created equal, especially when it
comes to using them overseas. If you are
interested in buying one for person serving in Iraq or Afghanistan,
you will want to check out the cards sold here at Army & Air Force Exchange Service
(AAFES).

Let’s say
you were to purchase a regular global AT&T Phone Card with 500 minutes on
it, but not thru AAFES program. The per
minute charge from an AT&T phone in Iraq, Kuwait or Afghanistan might be as
high as 55 cents per minute and give them only 45 actual minutes of talking
time when calling back to the states. Compare
this with an AAFES AT&T Phone
Card with 550 minutes and you get 19 cents per minute and 143 minutes of
talking time when calling back to the states. On top of the higher per minute charges, the
other cards might also have a connection fee or other hidden charges, thus
reducing further the money/minutes left to use for talking.

You may
purchase two different sizes of Global AT&T Calling Cards, either a 550 or
a 300 minute card. In addition to that,
you can choose a “Ship to Shore” calling card also. The rates for these cards are different than
the Global AT&T Calling Cards. Also,
if you have someone on a naval ship, they can purchase these cards there on the
ship as needed.

All of these cards can be recharged with more minutes. The person who has the card can give you the
number to call and the pin number needed, to access and recharge the minutes.

Please read the conditions of use that go along with these
cards before purchasing, so you are clear on what they offer, and any charges
that will apply. Also, be aware that if
the card is lost or stolen it cannot be replaced. If someone gets the pin number, then they have
complete access to the minutes on the card. The pin number should be kept in a safe place.

The Department of Defense Military Exchanges, Army
& Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) is authorized to sell
these cards to any individuals and/or organizations wishing to buy them for our
military that are deployed overseas.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Editor's Note: The names of individuals interviewed for this article could not be published due to the nature of the unit’s mission.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA — A platoon of Iraqi Army scouts took part in a live-fire exercise last week designed to simulate a raid and pursuit of a terrorist target in an urban environment.

U.S. Soldiers from Operational Detachment Alpha 7236 trained the IA scouts and supervised the exercise.

“In six years of training with (American) Special Forces, we have never done training like we did today,” said the commander of the Scout Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division.

The training exercised the movement techniques the scouts have learned and updated their skills with the newest training, he added.

“They did fairly well,” said the U.S. Advisor from ODA 7236 in charge of the training. “This is what we built up to with two months of training, and I’m very pleased. They have improved a million times over.

“We’ve instilled the idea of being special,” he added. “They want to be here and are very motivated and ready to train.”

The IA Scouts’ mission is to pursue terrorist and criminal elements, said their commander. “We raid the locations of elements that target Iraqi citizens, Iraqi Security Forces and the Multi-National Force,” he said.

In pursuit of that mission, the scouts have worked side-by-side with Multi-National Force - Iraq and ODA teams for several years.

American forces hand-picked the team members from IA training; they were named scouts after a three-month selection course during which more than a third of the candidates dropped out, said a U.S. advisor.

Their effectiveness has not received much publicity, but the responses of the terrorist elements they target may be a better measure.

The previous commander and three of their Soldiers were killed by terrorists while home on leave, but the scouts “did not give up,” said their commander.

The current commander continues to receive threats and has had three assassination attempts against him. Their resolve remains strong.

“We’re here to keep Wasit and al Kut safe, to help make Iraq a safe place for families and children,” he said. “They are here for [a short time] training us, but it’s our country. We’ll be staying. We need to train, so we thank the Soldiers for passing the training along. As warriors, we are motivated to always do better.”

Their motivation and effectiveness has not gone unnoticed among the teams that train them, either.

“They do large operations, and no one ever knows about them,” said a warrant officer of ODA 7236. “They’re quiet professionals. They don’t need credit; they just want to accomplish the mission.”

Feature Stories

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Police continue to make positive steps toward becoming self-sufficient through the vigorus training of the ‘Police Train-the-Trainer Academy Program’ in the Karkh District of Baghdad.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has long been recognized as a leader in adaptive and therapeutic sports programs. From the first Wheelchair Games in 1981, to the opening of the Winter Sports Clinic in 1987, VA has been committed to nearly 30 years of innovative rehabilitative sports programs for veterans of all ages who have served in the armed forces in any capacity and who have physical or cognitive disabilities. The demand for additional physical outlets for this special population is great, and because the other rehabilitation events have proven so successful, VA is initiating the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. The first event will take place in September 2008.

Veterans who are recently injured from amputations, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and other neurological disorders, as well as those wounded from burns, will benefit from the therapeutic environment offered at the Clinic. Water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, surfing, waterskiing, deep sea fishing and sailing, as well as other sports such as golf, cycling, tennis, track and field, all provide excellent avenues for improving the health and fitness of veterans. Each year, the events offered will vary, allowing greater exposure to new adaptive sports and recreational activities.

Today, the five national rehabilitation special events will provide roughly 1,800 veterans each year with a venue to showcase their athletic abilities and creative talents, as well as a setting in which to share a very special camaraderie and fellowship.

What:

The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic Pilot Program (NVSSC) gives disabled veterans an opportunity for self development and challenge through education and recreational activities. It promotes rehabilitation by teaching summer sporting activities to veterans with significant physical or psychological impairments.

VA is committed to improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities, and at this Clinic, those who have recently been injured. Participants will be able to develop sports skills and take part in a variety of adaptive sports workshops. Participation at the Clinic demonstrates that having a physical or visual disability need not be an obstacle to an active rewarding life.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

SALAH AD DIN PROVINCE — Whooping and whistling like children on a roller coaster ride, Iraqi Police soared through the sun-soaked July sky on their way home from a successful mission. Their enthusiasm was not borne of the high-speed helicopter ride, but of the hard day’s work, which helped save the lives of countless Iraqi citizens.

In the predawn hours of July 12, Iraqi Police, along with Soldiers from the 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, conducted an air assault into the arid farmlands north of Balad. Throughout the burning July morning, the Iraqi SWAT teams moved with speed and discipline to clear a suspected enemy hideout in the area.

The combined air assault mission resulted in the capture of six men with ties to the local insurgency, three of whom were known to be members of al Qaida in Iraq. A thorough search of the area resulted in the discovery of two vehicles wired with explosives and a substantial amount of ammonium-nitrate; a chemical compound used to make homemade bombs. The vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, which have been used with devastating results in the past, were destroyed by Coalition forces, along with the explosives. The operation aimed to deny enemy extremists the ability to carry out future terror operations against innocent Iraqis and Coalition forces in the Salah ad Din province.

“Countless lives were saved today as a result of seizing and destroying these [explosives] before al Qaida could use them,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Hauerwas, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division executive officer. “There is no way of knowing how many innocent people would have been killed or injured by these cold-blooded killers.”

Increasingly, Coalition forces are seeing Iraqis take the lead in the fight against extremists in the province of Salah ad Din.

“If we don’t work with the [Iraqi Security Forces] there is no mission success,” said Maj. Phillip Borders, 1st STB operations officer. “You can catch all of the bad guys in the world but until we get the Iraqis to do it, the old standard is still there.”

With every combined mission, the ISF are honing their ability to plan for and execute these types of missions autonomously. Their experience is extensive, considering that a fair number of the ISF have been battling the insurgency for a number of years, alongside their Coalition allies.

“Their sense of duty and their sense of patriotism are undeniable,” said Hauerwas. “What they lack in equipment, such as communications and mobility, they make up for in sheer will,” he said.

FOB FALCON — Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a large weapons cache and detained a suspected special groups criminal during ‘Operation Raider Nor’easter’ in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, July 15.

Based on an Iraqi citizen’s tip, Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, discovered a large weapons cache while conducting a security operation in the Abu T’shir neighborhood at approximately 4:15 p.m.

FOB HAMMER — When Patton’s tanks rolled across North African desert sands, letters of encouragement, love and support from family back home connected 1st Armored Division Soldiers to loved ones left behind.

Today, in the heat of Iraq’s deserts, mail continues to bridge the distance between “Iron Soldiers” and their families. Even in today’s age of advanced technological communications, nothing compares to being able to hold a letter or open a package pieced together with affection by someone at home.

Maj. Gen. Tim McHale, Director of Personnel, Logistics and Resources for USF-I, discusses 'Iraqi First' contracting and purchasing programs that are stimulating the development of Iraqi businesses and job creation for Iraqis.

As numerically superior insurgent forces attacked Sergeant Kraft and the Marines in Al Fallujah, Iraq, he quickly organized and fearlessly led three assault forces on three separate attacks to repel the insurgents and ensure the successful advance of the battalion. With complete disregard for his own life, he placed himself between intense enemy fire and the men during each attack providing suppressive fire and leadership to sustain the fight and eliminate the enemy. Although grenades thrown by the insurgents rendered him momentarily unconscious during one assault, this did not dampen his spirit or determination. Undeterred, Sergeant Kraft continued to lead from the front, despite being wounded himself. On two more occasions, he was knocked down stairwells by enemy grenade blasts and finally while emplacing a sniper in a critical location, Sergeant Kraft was knocked down by the blast from a friendly M1A1 tank main gun. He demonstrated courageous leadership with a complete disregard for his own safety, during this desperate two-hour battle as he personally braved multiple enemy small arms kill zones to render assistance and guidance to his Marines.

By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Sergeant Kraft reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Home Town:Fresno, California

Too often we forget to stop and appreciate all that we have. Capt. Sutton and a group of professional guides not only are not forgetting, they are taking steps to actively get out and thank our veterans!

To some this might be old news, a missed opportunity. But to others it is a chance to get on the list for next year! Fishing with a professional guide at your side, what could be better than that? Only this, the Annual American Veterans Fish-Off, where the guides volunteer their time! This event takes place the end of June. The best part is the professional guides are volunteering their services for a most worthy reason! It is their way to say “Thanks for the freedom we enjoy every day.”

So read the below to find out how to get on the list for next year. There is a phone number and an address to use for contacting Capt. Dave Sutton.

The 2008 Annual American Veterans Fish-Off kicks-off June 28
By Capt. Sutton
Tue, May 20, 2008
Volunteer professional guides in the South Florida and Florida Keys areas have banded together to again take American Veterans fishing in the Biscayne Bay National Park waters to show our appreciation of there service to our country. Again this year we celebrate and say thanks for the freedom we enjoy every day.

Are You A Vet? Do You Like To Fish?

Let us take you fishing and say thanks for your service. Just call Capt. Dave Sutton to get on the Veteran's Anglers list!!!

If you are a veteran and would like to fish with us please call me to get your name on my list. There will be lunch and cold drinks with the whole crew gathering at Homestead Bayfront Park Pavilion at 2:00 PM. Veterans should arrive at 8 AM.

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